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Computer Science at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
86 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
87
Optimistic
86
Base Case
79
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,385/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.2x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #61 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,197K $1,133K $815K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.2x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 6.8x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 87 86 79

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,687
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$122,521
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,385 track close to the $73,713 national median for Computer Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 17.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $19,687 in median debt against $77,385 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Colorado Boulder ranks #61 among 345 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $77,385-to-$122,521 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 31,578 students in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($88,957) Computer Engineering ($86,211) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($81,835) Civil Engineering ($73,033) Architectural Engineering ($72,567) Biochemical Engineering ($70,668) Chemical Engineering ($70,359) Mechanical Engineering ($66,089)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 86/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 86/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at University of Colorado Boulder?
The 72% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Colorado Boulder one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, University of Colorado Boulder's #61 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →